NEW
BOSTON - For yet another year, visitors will flock to New Boston for the annual event that showcases the popularity of agriculture in the Granite State.

The Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair will set up shop from Friday, Sept. 5, through Sunday, Sept. 7, for its 51st year, with an estimated attendance of between 10,000 to 15,000 visitors.

Janell George, secretary for the fair’s Board of Directors, said the fair appeals to visitors because of its variety and value. “It’s overall family fun without a huge price tag. It’s a good family entertainment value. It’s very important to offer a wide range of interest. This year especially, families are being very selective in what they’re doing,” said George. “The fair gives a lot of options and things to see and do for a fairly low cost compared to some other types of entertainment.”

George said one of the most popular events at the fair each year is the giant pumpkin weighoff, which happens Friday, as well as the horse and oxen pulls that take place both Saturday and Sunday.

Having activities for people of all ages is something the fair’s organizers take pride in, said George.

“We try to make it a full family affair from age 0 to age 100 and 0,” she said. “We don’t want rides just for teenagers or tractors for the older crowd. We’re not trying to appeal to just one sector of the population, but all of them.”

Although the fair takes place in the fall, the process of preparation goes on throughout the year.

“We work on it all year long, and as it draws closer to the event, the anticipation and excitement are higher. We know what we have planned, and we’re not sure exactly how it’ll turn out, so that’s an excitement builder,” said George. “We try to offer new things to attract new people who haven’t been before. It’s exciting for us to see what works and what we can bring in.”

Even though it is a technology- run time, George said it is important to show New Hampshire residents how important agriculture is.

“It’s part of the heritage of the fair. With a huge emphasis on agriculture for the area, with keeping that aspect of it, we can show that New Hampshire isn’t turning into a giant Boston,” said George. “We still keep that rural feel and have people with the access to that agricultural world. Right in their backyard is rural New Hampshire, they don’t have to travel too far to see the countryside.”

The admission price for one day is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12. A three-day pass is $24 for adults and $12 for children 6 to 12.